Exploring Odessa

Exploring Odessa, Odessa, Ukraine

Your exploration of Odessa will start at Primorsky Boulevard as you get off the coaches for a pleasant walk. This shady seaside promenade not only reveals the picturesque panorama of Odessa bay but also abounds in historical and architectural monuments. The layout of the boulevard was designed by the famous Russian architect A. Melnikov. From the monument to Duc de Richelieu descend the 192 Potemkin Steps, the gala entrance to the city for those who arrive in Odessa by sea. The steps built between 1837 and 1841 have become a recognizable symbol of the city specially after Eisenstein’s great film “Battleship Potemkin”.
At the eastern end of the boulevard stands Pushkin statue erected in 1888 by public subscription. The poet spent 13 months here in 1823-24 during his exile. Opposite the statue is the imposing pink-and-white colonnaded Odessa City Hall. A nearby cannon salvaged from the British frigate Tiger recalls of the Crimean War.
A gentle stroll will take you to view the Archaeological Museum with its graceful columns. It was founded in 1875 and is the oldest in the Ukraine. A Roman copy of the famous Laokoon marble statue is placed in front of the museum. Marvel at the famous elaborate Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by two Viennese architects Helmer and Felner and ingeniously realized by the Russian and Ukrainian masters in 1884-1887.
Rejoining the coach you will make your way to the Fine Arts Museum, which is housed in an elegant former Pototsky Palace built in classical style in 1824-1828. In 1888 the mayor of Odessa, the famous patron of art and philanthropist G. Marazli bought the palace for the public art gallery. Inaugurated on October 24, 1899 its maze of over 15 rooms on two floors has treasures, which run from the 15th century icons onwards. The main hall, the former ballroom, has a beautiful inlaid floor, intricate plasterwork and an exquisite Meisen porcelain chandelier.